On Biblical Hymns, Part 2: Christ As Firstborn

Body

“All the New Testament passages most commonly identified as taken from hymns in the early church are about Christ. No surprise there. They celebrate his uniqueness, his glory, his powerful work in accomplishing our salvation. I’d like to begin with the classic—and controversial—passage from Colossians 1” - Dan Olinger

Discussion

Bring Back Isaac Watts’s Biggest Hit

Body

“The church has forgotten the old hymn ‘Come, We That Love the Lord.’ I’ve never heard this song in any worship service and I’ll bet you haven’t either. Try to hum the opening line.” - CToday

Discussion

Do We Really Need to Keep Singing Hymns?

Body

“Another bestselling author can rise in the time it takes to froth a Latte. And they’re gone before you finish your cup. Rich, thoughtful, timeless truths are so hard to come by. How do we cut through the fog? Give me something ancient. Something that has stood the test of time. I want some of that.” - Church Leaders

Discussion

Can Hymns Be Saved from Extinction?

Body

“The expulsion of hymns from a church can occur either imperceptibly over time or instantaneously, but in many churches they are fading away or already gone. In this context, I propose a way for those who love the hymns of the faith to preserve them. We can save our beloved hymns by reading and pondering them as devotional poems.” - Leland Ryken

Discussion

America the Beautiful

O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness!
America! America! God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!

Discussion